Mahindra, Embraer identify Nagpur for C-390 assembly line in India
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Mahindra Group and Brazilian aerospace major Embraer have identified Nagpur in Maharashtra as the potential location for a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft in India, as the two companies step up preparations for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme.
The proposed facility will support local assembly and industrialisation of the C-390 in India, but the plans are subject to the aircraft being selected by the government and an order being placed under the IAF’s MTA programme, the companies said on Thursday.
The announcement comes a day after Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra said the company looked forward to an opportunity to strengthen India’s military transport and logistics capabilities. In a post on X on Wednesday, Mahindra wrote: “Yes, we look forward to an opportunity to bolster India’s military transport & logistics capabilities…” The post came after Embraer confirmed that Mahindra would be its Indian partner for the IAF’s transport aircraft programme.
Nagpur facility to build aerospace ecosystem
Mahindra and Embraer said they are working with the Maharashtra government on the proposed facility and associated processes, with the aim of progressing the required industrial infrastructure if the programme is awarded to the partnership.
The proposed Nagpur facility is expected to bring aircraft assembly, system integration, manufacturing engineering and local supply-chain development capabilities into India.
“Mahindra is committed to building a globally competitive aerospace ecosystem in India and to creating meaningful manufacturing and technology capabilities that contribute to the country’s Atmanirbhar Bharat ambitions,” said Vinod Sahay, Member of the Group Executive Board, Mahindra Group.
“As we work with Embraer on the C-390 Millennium, we are preparing the industrial ecosystem required to support the programme at scale. Nagpur offers a compelling opportunity for such a capability,” Sahay said. He added that the preparations remain subject to the selection of the C-390 and placement of the IAF order.
Bosco da Costa Junior, president and CEO, Embraer Defense & Security, said identifying Nagpur as a potential assembly location was an important step in building a long-term aerospace ecosystem in India.
“Embraer is pleased to deepen its partnership with Mahindra as we advance our preparations to bring the C-390 Millennium’s industrial capabilities to India,” he said, adding that the companies want to strengthen India’s indigenous aerospace and defence capabilities.
C-390 plans include manufacturing, MRO
Subject to the programme award, the partnership plans to progressively integrate Indian aerospace companies into the C-390 ecosystem across manufacturing, aftermarket services, training and lifecycle support.
The development builds on a Strategic Cooperation Agreement signed between Embraer and Mahindra in October 2025, following an earlier MoU in February 2024. The agreement covers industrialisation, local manufacturing, assembly, supply-chain development and MRO activities in India.
In February 2026, the companies also announced plans to establish a C-390 MRO capability in India, subject to the aircraft being selected under the IAF’s MTA programme.
The C-390 Millennium is a multi-mission military transport aircraft capable of carrying up to 26 tonnes. It can undertake troop and cargo transport, airdrop operations, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian missions, and is designed to operate from temporary or unpaved runways.
The IAF programme is expected to be a major contest in India’s military transport aircraft segment, with Embraer pitching the C-390 against competing proposals for the requirement. The Indian industrial partner and the extent of local manufacturing are among the broader considerations surrounding the programme.